FremantleMedia Intl. Topper Steps Down

David Ellender leaves company after 12 years

Ellender, who has been at FremantleMedia for 12 years, had decided to leave “to pursue new challenges,” Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia, said in a statement.

“During his time at FremantleMedia, as managing director of FremantleMedia International Distribution, then for the past six years as Global CEO of FremantleMedia Enterprises (the commercial and exploitation arm of FremantleMedia), David played a significant role in shaping and growing FremantleMedia into one of the world’s leading independent media companies,” Frot-Coutaz said. “We would like to thank him for his vision, leadership and the huge contribution he has made to the company.”

A new head of FremantleMedia Intl. will be tapped in due course, Frot-Coutaz said.

FremantleMedia, which is owned by media conglom Bertelsmann, is active in TV production and distribution worldwide. Its slate includes talent-show formats like “Got Talent,” “The X Factor” and “Idol,” gameshows like “The Price Is Right” and “Family Feud,” and dramas like “Hit and Miss”